Ok ... because this is more of a rules question than an analysis request, I am posting here rather than in the analysis section. Please advise if I should post this over there instead next time.

Last night's game, we had a lively discussion on how to play a hand. It was agreed upon by our group that your advise on how to "read" the cards according to the rules of Texas Hold'em will settle the discussion.

I know this may sound like a silly question, but we're all n00b's trying to understand the rules.

Player 1's hole cards:


Player 2's hole cards:


Community cards:


Understandings
Player 1 believes his hole cards have priority to make a hand because he can pair with his 7. Player 1 further believes Player 2 can not use his hole cards to make any hand because he can not pair any of the community cards with his hole cards.

Player 2 believe he has the option to use any combination of the five community cards and his hole cards to make the best five card hand. Player 2 further interprets the rules that both players have QQ88, and the winning hand would include the highest hole card to make up the 5th card of a winning hand.

We are kindly requesting your guidance as to how the rules should be interpreted so we can continue playing this great game together as friends.

Thank you for your time.

Lane "SmokinL" Smith

Player 2 is 100% correct.

Best 5 card hand. Player 2 wins with ace kicker. You can't have 3 pairs. And this thread belongs here btw.

Thank you all for your help with this. Your time and knowledge is greatly appreciated.

Enjoy your week!

Lane